FAQ
What’s a vanos?
Vanos is BMW’s name for its engine variable valve timing unit.
What’s variable valve timing?
Variable valve timing is a way of modifying the engine intake and/or exhaust valve opening/closing timing dynamically to provide improved engine performance.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/camshaft.htm
http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/technology/vanos.htm
What’s wrong with my vanos (FAQ)?
If you own a BMW 6-cylinder single vanos car, engines M50TU, M52, US S50, S52, 1992-1999, or double vanos car, engines M52TU, M54, M56, 1998-2006. , then your vanos is experiencing a failure. These vanos units utilize engine oil and pistons/cylinders to manipulate the positioning of gears to facilitate variable valve timing. The seals on the pistons are leaking due to deteriorating seal O-rings. This leakage is causing the vanos to fail in its function.
Why are the vanos piston O-rings failing?
The OEM O-rings are made from Buna, which cannot resist the engine temperature and chemical environment. As a result, the O-rings harden, shrink, and flatten. Consequently, this causes them to lose their functional characteristics, which ultimately leads to the VANOS failure.
What are the symptoms of a failing vanos?
Overall loss of torque and power, particularly in the lower RPM range, < 3k. Bogging then surging at 3k RPM. Uneven power distribution and RPM transition. Engine hesitations in the lower RPM range, < 3k. Louder idle and intermittent idle RPM hiccups. Difficult takeoffs. Loss of power and bogging when AC on. Increased fuel consumption.
Double vanos cars with the M52TU engine (98/99-00) experience cold weather cold start idle jolts and possible stall.
What are the benefits of repairing the vanos?
Overall increase in torque and power, particularly in the lower RPM range, < 3k. Resolution of bogging then surging at 3k RPM. Smooth even distribution of power and RPM transition. Resolution of engine hesitations in the lower RPM range, < 3k. Quiet stable idle. Smooth easy takeoffs. Improved performance when AC on. Reduced fuel consumption, by ~10%.
Resolution of double vanos M52TU engine (98/99-00) cold weather cold start idle jolts and possible stall.
How can I verify my vanos is failing?
On M52TU engine cars (98/99-00) experiencing cold weather cold start idle jolts or possible stalling, you can disconnect the VANOS intake solenoid (metal cylinder) electrical connector.
If the idle jolts cease then the problem is most likely the vanos.
On other cars, you need to remove the VANOS unit from the engine for inspection. Once you remove the VANOS cylinder covers, inspect the piston seals in the cylinders. A loose fit will indicate seal failure.
Removal of the seals from the pistons will show the inner O-rings have flat spots and a loss of elasticity.
In general, a diagnosis is not necessary. The vanos Buna O-rings are deteriorating in 20k miles (32k kilometers). Thus essentially all the cars with these vanos units have deteriorated O-rings and a failing vanos.
Should I install a new vanos?
A new (rebuilt) BMW vanos costs ~$500 and unfortunately comes with the same Buna O-rings. Thus the new unit will function well at first, but the O-rings will begin to deteriorate in short order and the vanos will start failing.
Is there a good solution to the vanos problem?
To correctly address the VANOS problem, refer to the FAQ for instructions on replacing the piston O-rings with O-rings made from higher-grade material. BMW has reviewed this issue but decided not to address it, stating, ‘No further development will be done.’
To replace the piston O-rings on a VANOS, consult the FAQ on removing the piston Teflon seals to access the underlying O-rings. Removing the Teflon seals inevitably damages them, so both the O-rings and Teflon seals must be replaced. Beisan Systems (www.beisansystems.com) provides VANOS seal kits that include both the upgraded O-rings and Teflon seals, along with repair procedures in their FAQ for reference.
Who can I have perform this repair, and for how much?
A DIY owner with some auto repair experience can perform the repair. Although the process is somewhat involved, it is moderately difficult.
Any independent BMW mechanic will be able to perform this repair. Labor time should be 4 hours. Parts include the seals kit, single $30, double $60, a vanos gasket, $7, and two oil hose washers, $0.50.
It’s wise to replace the valve cover gaskets during this repair since it requires no additional labor time, and the gaskets and bolt grommets only cost $60.